Texasisms: A Glossary of Texan

Updated on August 29, 2016

Texas.

The Republic of Texas

Learn A Little Texan.

When traveling abroad, it is usually wise to learn a few words and phrases in the native language to help in case you find yourself in a jam. It is also wise to learn a little about the native culture to make you appear less touristy.

For example, should you choose to make Texas your travel destination, you should know that Texas was once its own country called the Republic of Texas. Also, most of the native Texans do not yet realize this is no longer the case. They are very sensitive about their homeland. Tread lightly. Don't mess with Texans.

However, Texans do speak a form of English (pronounced "Ainglish" in Texan), so the language should not be much of a barrier. There are a few key differences, though. For example, I do not believe the heading "Learn A Little Texan" to be ambiguous for English speakers, but it may be for a speaker of Texan (prompting one to go meet a shorter Texas native). It is these subtleties that you need to master before your trip to the Lone Star State.

When traveling in Texas, please feel free to carry this handy guide to Texas speak with you - trust me, you will need it.

Fixin' - (fix-in). About, when used with to, pronounced "tuh", as in "I'm fixin' tuh go to the game." Or, the whole of the side dishes included with a meal when made plural "fixins", as in "We're havin' turkey and all the fixins."

Gimme - (gi-mee). Give me or give to me, as in "Gimme a break."

Get/Got on at - (get or got-on-at). To gain or to have gained employment from, as in, "Johnny's gonna' (see gonna' below) try to get on at the feedlot next week," or "Johnny got on at the feedlot last week."

Gonna' - (gun-uh). Going to. See get/got on at above.

In'thang - (in-uh-thang). Anything, as in "Do we need in'thang from the store?"

'n - (un). Than, when following a descriptive, as in "bigger'n Dallas" or "madder'n all git out (see all git out above)."

Nuttin' - (nut-in). Nothing, as in, "I ain't got nuttin'."

O' - (o). Ol', ole, or old, an article like "the" or "a", especially when applied to persons or animals, as in "O' Scooter is good o' boy (or dog)."

-Off - (off). A condition or state of being when appended to the end of a descriptive, as in "The doc says Jim's pretty bad-off." Others include good-off, well-off, and the more familiar ticked-off, hacked-off and, of course, p'd-off.

-Out - (out). Appended to a verb to form seemingly interchangeable present tense descriptives, as in wore-out, give-out, plum-out.

Note: for the present perfect tense of verbs ending in "n" or "en", drop the "n", as in wore-out (not worn out).

Piddlee'o - (pid-lee-oh). Small, or a small amount, as in "Ain't you just a piddlee'o thang."

Place - (place). A particular though perhaps undefined parcel of property often preceded by a proper noun to provide definition, as in "the o' (see o' above) Johnson place." Not to be confused with the English slang "place" meaning residence, as in "my place" or "your place". If you want to invite a Texan over to your "place" and the "place" to which you are refering is a 400 sq. ft. apartment, expect to be escorted to the nearest state line.

Purt/Purtee - (pert or perty). Pretty. Omit the last syllable when preceding a descriptive, "Joe's purt well-off (see -off above)," pronounce the last syllable when referencing attractivness, as in "She's show 'nuff (see show 'nuff below) purty!"

'R - (are). Our, not to be confused with "are".

The Republic of Texas.

Map of Republic of Texas.

Map of Republic of Texas.

Proud to Be a Texan.

Don't Mess With Texas.

Wanna' Be.

Show 'nuff - (show-nuf). Sure enough, an intensifier (see "She's show 'nuff purty" above) or state of agreement, as in "That was some good fishin' today, wat'nit (see wat'nit below)? Show 'nuff."

-Up - (up). Appended to the verb form to connote a final or conclusive condition or state of being, as in "He's gussied-up." Others include fired-up, worked-up, tied-up (not literally tied up as with ropes or chains, but similar to eat-up, see eat-up below), cowboyed and/or cowgirled-up, bowed-up (agitated and aggressive or threatening).

Note: as with -out above, for the present perfect tense of verbs ending in "n" or "en", drop the "n", as in eat-up (not eaten-up) and tore-up (rather than torn-up, meaning emotionally wounded not ripped).

Var'mit - (var-mit). Varmint, any small animal particularly when being hunted, as in "Me and o' (see o' above) Jack went var'mit huntin' this mornin'."

Wat'nit - (watt-nit). Wasn't it(?), an interrogatory typically appended rhetorically to a statement where only agreement is sought, see show 'nuff above.

-Way - (way). Similar to -off above, as in "He's in a purt (see purt above) good-way."

Whole 'nuther - (hole-nuther). A whole other, an indicator of something altogether differen, as in "That's a whole 'nuther can o' worms."

Worsh - (worsh). Wash.

Yankee - (yank-ee). Any person born north of the Red River.

Yer - (yer). Your.

Yonder - (yon-der). An indication of any direction or any location other than the location of the speaker, typically following a modifier, as in "up yonder", "down yonder", "out yonder", "in yonder", "over yonder", and, when appropriate, "under yonder". Shakespearean English ain't got nuthin' on Texan.

5. Know When to Fold 'Em. One of the most popular bumper stickers in Texas reads "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could." Yeah, right. You're not a Texan. There is no citizenship test, membership card, or minimum residency requirement. You either are privileged enough to have been born in the Republic of Texas or not. It's okay if you weren't, just accept it. Go ahead, root for the Cowboys, wear your cute little outfits at the honky tonks, and display your bumper stickers. You are always welcome, you're just not a Texan...but be thankful, your kids can be.

My grandfather was from Texas (outside Waco) - even though he lived in Washington state the last 60 years of his life, there were certain things he said that I could never understand! My favorite was when he asked me to get the "flashwater." I guess that's Texan for "fly-swatter." :-)

Sally's Trove 8 years ago from Southeastern Pennsylvania

Brilliant hub. A difference in accent or syntax can make a potential relationship or break it, make a new friend or miss the opportunity.

I treasure our regional differences. When I'm here in the northeast, I put my groceries in a bag. When I'm with my Ohio relations, I put them in a sack, and ask for pop instead of soda. I also "woish" my hair instead of wash it, and say "God love 'er little heart," every chance I get.

With your primer, I think I can do OK in TX.

rodney southern 8 years ago from Greensboro, NC

This was hilarious. i was in Fort Sam Houston for a bit in the Army and witnessed some of this first hand. God bless Texas!

robie2 8 years ago from Central New Jersey

Shucks--this hub is cuter than a speckled pup:-) I loved it. There is a language lab in Texan on TV daily--it's called The Dr. Phil Show LOL. Students can perfect their accents by listening to Dr. Phil who is just "slicker 'n s**t on a hoe-handle. Dang--this is a real good hub an ahm givin it thumbs up:-)

In The Doghouse 8 years ago from California

Peter,

Only Texas would have it's own Embassy in London, England. (Texas Embassy and Cantina) In fact I have been there and it is as brazen as Texas itself. After living with a Texas room mate in college for a year, and having my son live in Texas for two years, I have become quite familiar with the "Texas" mentality. The guide to speaking in Texas is truly helpful, but I am surprised you didn't mention how many flags Texas is allowed to fly, and what the flag etiquette is (for example the height the state flag is allowed to fly vs the national flag...)or some history of that sort... enlighten us my friend....lol Perhaps an entirely different Hub would be needed. Then again, maybe you could even include who really shot JR? I think the only other state that could compare to Texas in attitude is California! lol

amy jane 8 years ago from Connecticut

Very helpful guide, for a Yankee like me. :) I have met a few charming Texans over the years, and really stuggled to understand them!

Peter M. Lopez 8 years ago from Sweetwater, TX Author

Thanks, steph. If your dad was from Waco, then you know very well what I'm talking about. Yes, it is "flaaaahshwater".

I'm sure you would do well Sally. Texas is actually large enough that we have our own regional accents. East Texas for example is more more twangy like the rest of the South, whereas West Texans have a drawl. South Texans and North Texans also have very distinct accents. We are our own melting pot.

Robie, too kind. Although I'm somewhat ashamed to admit it, yes, Dr. Phil does quite well with his Texan. Thank you very much.

Peter M. Lopez 8 years ago from Sweetwater, TX Author

Absolutely, Doghouse, we can fly our flag at equal height to the US flag, and I believe we are authorized to fly 6 flags. Of course, you do realize that we are only a state by treaty between the US and the Republic of Texas. This was actually the subject of a law school assignment I had my first year of law school. Perhaps I will do more Texas hubs (the treaty might be a good subject).

That's okay, amy jane, we struggle to understand Yanks all the time. You guys talk too fast, or, should I say, Y'all talk too fast. I do have trouble with that one, I still can't bring myself to say "y'all", perhaps it's a genetic defect.

robie2 8 years ago from Central New Jersey

Hmmm I seem to remember from some history class that Texas is also the only state in the union that has the right to divide itself into five states if it wants to. Am I crazy or is that true? Hmmmm now that would throw a joker into the 2008 election :-)

safetyfirst 8 years ago

My wife is originally from Texas and her whole family still lives there. The "Texas dictionary" is hillarious, but the best made point is the one about Texans still not realizing that they're not their own republic. Great hub.

C.S.Alexis 8 years ago from NW Indiana

Damn Straight!

LdsNana-AskMormon 8 years ago from Southern California

Hi Peter -

This is very funny stuff. Lets hope that Texans think so too! LOL

I spend quite a bit of time in Dallas, Tx. Three of my grandchildren are currently residents there, so I have been back and forth for the past five years quite a lot.

Perhaps these Texas-isms are found more in the deep southern parts of Texas. I have really not met up with too much of yer lingo in the parts I run when there?

Do you really still hear this stuff there? What parts are you most familiar with. It is my feeling, that if I were to throw this stuff out to the Texans I know - they would all just roll there big Texas eyeballs!

Nevertheless - I love this hub:-)

tDMg

LdsNana-AskMormon

Peter M. Lopez 8 years ago from Sweetwater, TX Author

I haven't heard that one yet, robie. I'll have to look into it.

That is absolutely true, safetyfirst. We still think we are our own country, and proudly I might add. Thanks for reading.

Peter M. Lopez 8 years ago from Sweetwater, TX Author

CS Alex, indeed. Absolutely.

Nana, that's because your kin folks are in Dallas. Don't get me wrong, we love Dallas, my own sister lives there, but Dallas has a higher proportion of immigrants (northerners) than most Texas cities, so it doesn't really count (city folk, and all). Go outside of Dallas a ways, just past the suburbs and find a local greasy spoon, then holler at me.

J D Murrah 8 years ago from Refugee from Shoreacres, Texas

Well done!

Us Texans and Texians need to keep the 'skerr on em.

Peter M. Lopez 8 years ago from Sweetwater, TX Author

Absolutely, JD Murrah. We most certainly must. Thanks.

christinekv 8 years ago from Washington

Amusing hub - as well as some of the responses! My grandpa and all his siblings were born in Texas too - he and my Gma (from Missouri) moved to Calif and even tho Gpa's name is Jim many call him Tex!

Tak n ta is my favorite!

There's a lot more here than i would of thought - good info! Was wondering why "Y'all" wasn't included, then see u referenced it in a response.

Thanks for the fun read!

Peter M. Lopez 8 years ago from Sweetwater, TX Author

I thought about including "y'all" christinekv, but, quite frankly, it's been appropriated by everyone else. I hear it everywhere else, so I'm not sure it's distinctly Texan anymore. It probably should be, though. I'm glad you enjoyed.

Fantastic...As an Oklahoman, (that little speck of dirt jus' north of TX) I recognize and can attest to the validity and accuracy of all info. and pronunciations provided here! Funny to think of other places here in the USA that don't include these terms in their daily lives! One comment above noted "Damn Straight," I'll add my own "hot damn!" (as opposed to "cold damn" which i've never heard anyone say!) ND to LDSNana, yep, folks still really do talk this way...you must just know some of them hi' falutin' college hi-tech folks from 'round Austin.

Peter M. Lopez 8 years ago from Sweetwater, TX Author

hi'falutin' is a good one desert blondie. I should have included it. Thank you very much, even if you are from Oklahoma (at least you're close enough for it to rub off on you).

hunter 8 years ago

I'm about to marry a man who is from Houston and went to Texas A&M and served in the corp, so he is a true texan. I'm from OK. He calls me a Yankee saying "Anyone north of the Red River is a Yankee, and Dallas is pretty close!" He too believes Texas is its own country. And, I think you would find most of your dictionary in West Texas, near Snyder and Lubbock. My friends from there use all of those terms! Thanks for the laughs!

Peter M. Lopez 8 years ago from Sweetwater, TX Author

Thank you, hunter. He sounds like a true texan. Yes, my glossary comes from my experience in West Texas, but North, South, East or West, Texans are Texans, and foreigners are not. I'm glad you enjoyed, good luck on your marrige.

Lifebydesign 8 years ago from Australia

What a hoot! I heard some great texan out in the Pacific not so long ago- your reputation has gone far and wide.

Peter M. Lopez 8 years ago from Sweetwater, TX Author

Indeed. Texas does have a reputation even abroad. When we were in Israel last summer, everyone asked if we had horses. Thanks lifebydesign for reading.

glassvisage 8 years ago from Northern California

You're not even that far from us in California, but apparently the language is more different than I thought :)

Peter M. Lopez 8 years ago from Sweetwater, TX Author

Are you kidding, we're a whole 'nuther country. :) Thanks, glassvisage, I appreciate you reading.

Julie-Ann Amos 8 years ago from Gloucestershire, UK

Nice hub, I've linked to yours from a hub of mine on Texas

Peter M. Lopez 8 years ago from Sweetwater, TX Author

Thanks, Ms. Amos, I appreciate that. I will search for yours and check it out.

phillip 7 years ago

remember yall us texans dont like them oakeys (oaklahomans)

Jen 7 years ago

hehe

cute

Jasper Hale is from Texas --- he's from Twilight in case you didn't know --- and so this was fun to read :)

xx

A Texan 7 years ago

Well I wouldn't "normally walk a mile to see a piss ant eat a bail of hay" but I have to clear a little something up. Texas did not join the Union by Treaty! Talk of Treaty was going on but Texas was offered Statehood by President John Tyler in doing this Texas got a little better deal than most States did. We were immediately a State instead of going through a probationary period as a territory! It is true that Texas can split into as many as 5 States!

If you do visit or wind up living in Texas there are some more things you need to know, "we don't care how you did it where you're from!" "The reason Texas does not fall into the gulf of Mexico is because Oklahoma sux!" "There are only two sports in Texas, Football and spring football!" And last but not least "George W Bush was born in Connecticut!" Liked the hub just had to clear that whole treaty thing up.

johnb0127 7 years ago from TX

This is a great hub! Thanks for a good read, fellow Texan!

KCC Big Country 7 years ago from Central Texas

Loved your hub. I'm a native Texan and have now added you to my "Texas-Based Writers on Hub Pages" hub. For years, I quoted the bit about Texas being the only state allowed to fly our flag the same height as the US flag...well...when researching that topic, I discovered it wasn't true. Check out Snope.com on that one. Wikipedia evens shows it to be an urban legend.

Joy 7 years ago

I am a native Texan and never really thought I spoke that Texan. When I was reading akk the terms I realized I certainly do. Thanks for the laugh.

True Texan 7 years ago

Well I consider myself a true Texan not only because I was born here, but I have also lived all up and down this great state including Ft. Worth, Haslet, Gainesville, San Marcos, New Braunfels, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Laredo. I have family in Texarkana and grew up visiting East Texas a few times per year. These days I also frequent McAllen and South Padre and have close family in Dallas as well. The funny thing is that Texas is so huge that there are still many areas I am unfamiliar with as you can tell.

There are a few things I do know. Every city I have lived in or visited in Texas is completely different from any other. Each city is so unique. For example, Ft. Worth is a group of small town people living in a big city. Dallas on the other hand has a very "hi'falutin'" mentality where everyone seems to 'keep up with the Joneses'. Austin is very liberal, democratic, health conscious, and open to alternative life-styles (this is unique in itself when you think about how conservative and republican this state is as a whole). San Antonio is very Hispanic influenced (apparent by the demographics) from the food to the décor to the celebrations--Viva la San Antonio! I am not as familiar with Houston, but I can tell it is unique. It has some similarities to Dallas, but it is still quite different, and I can't put my finger on it (but I have also spent very little time there).

The language listed above is accurate, but it is heavier in some parts than others (which may be why some people experience more than others while visiting). Depending on where I have lived over the years has affected how much "Texan" I speak. Growing up near Ft. Worth had me speaking "Texan" strongly, but there are other parts where I have heard more strong "Texan" language than I have ever spoken myself.

A few important things to remember about Texas... yes we do think we are our own country. We strongly support Texas sports teams (and those who don't are just trying to get attention by being rebels). We WANT to attend Texas colleges (no one thinks about going to school out of state unless they weren't born here). We are proud, but we are friendly (unless you mess with us and then we'll grab the bull by its horns if you know what I mean). I absolutely love Texas and have no desire to leave--just short vacations elsewhere.

A few words that I think should be added to the list: y'all (because even if other states have starting saying it, it still originated here), heck (and particularly awe heck), hafin' (which is how you say 'having'--such as hafin' to go to work), cuz (which is short for 'because' and can actually be a one-word answer to almost any question; it can also be a relative), and coke (which is a very general term that classifies all soda--be careful... just because someone says to bring them a coke, doesn't necessarily mean that they are asking for a coca-cola product).

If you don't believe we are proud people, just turn on the T.V. while here, and count how many commericials promote Texas to sell their products. Texas pride sells! This is one GREAT STATE!

wannabwestern 7 years ago from The Land of Tractors

When I worked at Intel I went to dinner with an engineer from northern India and his wife, and we had a good laugh talking' Texan. He had gone to college in southern Oklahoma, which is practically in Texas, you know. I'm originally from Abilene. What a funny, well-done hub! Great job.

Guru-C 7 years ago

Hi Peter, I'm a Longhorn (to non-Texans, a graduate of the University of Texas), and spent 1976-79 in Austin. To add to that credential, I worked in the highly successful establishment, Mad Dog & Beans. One of my favorite Texanisms is the way they pronounce the word "ice". Great hub!

a real texan 7 years ago

Its all sterotyping language because not all texans talk like this just the rednecks

donotfear 7 years ago from The Boondocks

Gotta love it!

Dim Flaxenwick 7 years ago from Great Britain

you made my day. I'm British. I had to practise each word carefully. Are you sure Texan is not a whole nother language? Great1 Thanks

Winsome 6 years ago from Southern California by way of Texas

Nice collection Pete. But you left out one of our best ones---Earl as in "Change the Earl while yer attit"

Born in Bryan....Did I say Texas was in the Rose Bowl?

Winsome 6 years ago from Southern California by way of Texas

Is Texas still allowed to fly their flag the same height as USA?

William F. Torpey 6 years ago from South Valley Stream, N.Y.

I knew Texas was a little different, Peter. I hitchhiked across Texas one time in the 1950's (from Corpus Christi to El Paso but didn't see (or hear) a thing. Enjoyed reading (or should I say interpreting) this hub. Well done.

Amayrani Ramos 6 years ago

Well even though I'm not originally from Texas, I have lived here for 4 years now, and is incredible how since the start my english was more like texan, good definitions of the words, and even though i'm not a born-texan I LOVE TEXAS and I'M PROUD to live in such a beautiful state

Michael Willis 6 years ago from Arkansas

SO true!!! Love this article.

LiamBean 6 years ago from Los Angeles, Calilfornia

Very very funny. I've seen other lists like this, but not nearly as well 'splained or as cleverly written or even this complete. Well Done!

texangirl 6 years ago

haha, i never realized i talked like that! but there's no other way to say these things! "gimme." ev'ryone says that!

Sean 6 years ago

This is not a true texas language guide if the "worsh" is in it and "Y'all" is not. I was born and raised in the Texas hill country and I have never heard anyone here say "Worsh". THAT is a Yank phrase. Oh yea, and "Ain't" needs to be added as well. Oh, and this was more of a mockery of Texan word inflection than a language guide. Half of the words are universal, you just made'em sound southern, which pertains to about 6 other states. Tip #1, making fun of Texans is sure to make you an outcast here.

davidseeger 6 years ago from Bethany, OK

Well, to my mind this is just another example of the pretensions of the folk in Baja Oklahoma. That's alright the folks below the Red River need something to help them deal with being below Oklahoma.

anonymous 6 years ago

Ive lived in texas my whole life, and a few things I say everyday, one or two you left out, and most are plain ridiculous. It's good for laughs, but for a few expressions, (hotter than a hog on a hot plate? the heck?) if you say them, u will be called a yankee and laughed at. Don't worry, we really don't say anything weirder than other states, people just think we do.

cowgirl 5 years ago

You missed the word HOWDY for hello and yall to mean you all...

;)

RTalloni 5 years ago from the short journey

Love it! Always loved the way President George Walker Bush says "A meerr ican" with such decisiveness. Thanks for the smiles!

A meerr ican English is a fun language! :)

RTalloni 5 years ago from the short journey

Love it! Always loved the way President George Walker Bush says "A meerr ican" with such decisiveness. Thanks for the smiles!

A meerr ican English is a fun language! :)

cowgurl101 5 years ago

Boy! this great stuff! i love da way ya sed "never, EVER put G at the of werds!" LOL yeah... evry time i tawk wit my frends, they aint understandin' me cuz i always say " fixin' ta" and they never know wut it means.Not many Texans tawk like this, but it is if yer redneck!

annaw 5 years ago from North Texas

This was too much! You definitely "got er dun." I would love to share this with no Texans.

JR 5 years ago

I tell y'what...that there was some insightful stuff! Thanks for that. Okee doke, gotta git.

Aww you missed y'all and howdy :P I bet those Texas Aggies would be mah-ty upset at yer fergettin their time o' greetin: "Howdy y'all!"

Lol great read :)

Ryan 5 years ago

If you forget what to say just scream our "Remember the Alamo"

Dave Hughes 5 years ago

'Done', as in 'finished', is NOT in the true Texas lexicon! That's a YANKEE expression! I never heard ANYBODY in Texas use that word for 'finished' until I met some transplant 'Michiganders' that used it.

All my life (pretty much all over Texas, east, west, southeast, central), I've always heard and used the term 'through' to mean 'finished'. Examples: "Are you through with your supper?" "When you get through with your chores, we can go to town and get some ice cream."

I personally have the East Texas Piney Woods accent, and I'm very proud of it. I don't back off on it for anybody.

idk 5 years ago

pretty interesting..Most of that was BS, please dont come over here talkin like that....:/

but i gotta admit i do say fixin alot :)

Stephanie 4 years ago

There's one thing missing from your terms! Y'all! How can y'all forget the best word?

SallyTX 4 years ago from Only In Texas!

Dave Hughes, you're just plumb wrong! Take it from a native Texan of 50+ years. I done been hearing done in North Texas all my life!

SallyTX 4 years ago from Only In Texas!

Actually, Dave, now that I re-read your post, I take that back. I just read it wrong! You're right about that. We don't use "done" for "finished" or "through"; although we might say, "I'm done through with that!" ;D

Sam 4 years ago

Um, you forgot y'all. Just sayin'.

SallyTX 4 years ago from Only In Texas!

No, we don't use y'all to refer to an individual. Y'all is plural!

Twitchy 4 years ago

Being a born and raised Austinite, I approve of this message.

Aaron 4 years ago

Hahah I'm from Ft. Worth and this is hilarious. We don't use the "handier than hip pockets on a kangaroo." type slang here. But we do say y'all, fixin tuh, amiah right? And show nuff. I have never heard any one say "worsh" though that's just weird? Any how.. The fact about different accents from different regions is very true. People wit accents from Dallas will vary a lot from people from say Tyler TX

Also I'd like to add a few things

Yanks if you are in a resturaunt in Texas and ask for a coke you may be followed with the question "which kind" hahaha we just generalize all soda or "pop" as coke.

Lissen y'all... ahm from Ingelund an wanna know the lyric line in the song "Baja Oklahoma".... as sung by Lesley Ann Warren: Second verse... "It's a drive across the border to the music in the ?.." I worked out what a "blue norther" is..... Billy Bob's forever!

Willie Nelson's guitar strap 4 years ago

PS: I'm from Yorkshire... the biggest county in England (BIGGER THAN WALES!).... There are parallels: Texas was cattle then oil, Yorkshire was sheep then coal. Yorkshire people just KNOW they are the finest, Texans have a similar modest inner knowledge. My grandad (that's "grandayuh-ddy" in Texspeak)... he used to say "Look ya yonder" and suchlike.... it's uncanny. White Rose... Lone Star... We ought to twin.

miss scarlet 4 years ago

Im from England and iv been reading some of the comments on here and, I know this might sound stupid but I still have no idea what a hub is?

Knfrew 4 years ago

Hey y'all I live in Austin Texas. I've heard all of those things except the jeetjet... I still don't even know what it means. But yes we do say those things just not in every other sentence like some people think.. Except maybe in more towns that are more rural( which is very hard for us down here to say.. Rural...) we texans do know proper grammar but we just like to add our own little something in conversation... Haha!

HookEm 4 years ago

To be honest, a lot of this isn't current "Texan." A lot of those phrases are outdated, some of them haven't been used since the late 1800s-early 1900s, except for in movies, literature, etc. Not even in rural places. I know because I was born in Forth Worth and lived in a small, rural Texas town all of my life. A lot of these words are also just embellished to fit a southern accent. Except for super backwoods towns, most peoples accents aren't so bad. While it's funny, if someone comes to visit Texas and talks like this, we find it insulting and the last thing you wanna do is insult a Texan.

LITTLE RED 1977 4 years ago

My daughter linked me to this page. I thought of Michael Caine when he was doing Secondhand Lions. He asked the director (Texan) how he could pull off a Texas accent. Additionally his costar Robert Duvall, all the film crew, and the location was in Texas. The director said to him: "In England all words stand alone. In Texas, they just lean on each other." Problem solved

Tara 4 years ago

I am from Texas and some of those words i have never heard but most of them I have!!!!!!!! :-)

Rebecca 4 years ago

I am living in Austin, having grown up in west Texas, and I'm fixin' to move back there. My husband and I are decorating our new house, and I just had the idea to make some "Texasism" art décor (for example, a photo of a tank with the definition written out on the frame). When lookin' for more ideas, I came across your hub. I challenged myself to read all the isms without lookin' at your definitions, and every single one was familiar to me!

As a teen, I was embarrassed to admit that I used terms like "fixin' to" and "usta could," but now I think they are fantastic. I think in West Texas, they are a lot more prevalent, and YES!, people do talk like that down here, and NO!, it does not mean we're rednecks.

I have one more for ya: bar ditch. And everyone down here knows that Cokes are any kind of soda.

A Texan 4 years ago

Yup. Ya got it pegged right on down.

Desiree from Somerset TX 4 years ago

I'm 11 and a true Texan. Another way to pass off as a Texan is to watch if the Texans are complaining bout the weather. If they are you can complain. If they don't complain but ask if your hot SAY NO AND ACT LIKE YOUR NOT HOT! COMPLAINING IS A DEAD GIVEAWAY THAT YOUR A YANKEE!

LITTLE RED 1977 4 years ago

My daddy taught me a long time ago to never ask where someone is from. If they are from Texas, they will tell ya. If not, you don't want to embarrass them.

texastrader 4 years ago

Ah know Texans lak to give credit wur credit is due, don't'cha? The pikture of the baby sittin' on the bench in her Texas Flag gitup belongs to mah website, Texas Trading Post-Fun Texas Stuff. It woulda been nice if instead of snaggin' it, ya gave credit whur ya snagged it from. (No, I really don't talk that way, I was just surprised to see our picture on this page with no credit given).

AGallewho 3 years ago from New York City

"That dog will hunt" as they in the Lone Star state. Nice job.

Leslie 3 years ago

I was born and raised in East Texan. Not only was I born and raised there, but my papaw and great-papaw were too! I would say this is correct, although I have never heard anyone use "worsh". That's not Texan if I ain't heard it, lol.

SallyTX 3 years ago from Only In Texas!

@HookEm & Aaron: Yes, some of the things I say are from bygone days, but then so am I! ;D

I remember my aunts using phrases when I was a girl that we just don't hear any more at all like "Land's sake!" "Laws!" "My stars!" "Lawsy me!"

I see a lot of people writing "Show nuff!" It's actually "Sho' nuff!" It has nothing to do with "shows" and everything to do with "sure".

Sure enough! ;D

LizTX 3 years ago

and please don't forget to tell them about the "bar ditch"...

Mick 3 years ago

I was born and raised in Texas. One thing that I heard and use myself is "tump." It means to turn over and dump out, such as "the flower pot got tumped over. Like your hub.

Aquaria 2 years ago

Good grief. It's not y'all. It's y'all. You're not saying ya will or ya shall. You're saying you all. The apostrophe goes after the y. If any of you whippersnappers had heard the real old-timers of Texas, the ones born in the 1800s, you could hear them make a small, almost imperceptible pause between y and all.

It's y'all. Get it straight.

Aquaria 2 years ago

Also:

::::We strongly support Texas sports teams (and those who don't are just trying to get attention by being rebels).:::

Loving local teams is far from unique for Texas. Sheesh, some people need to set foot outside the Lone Star State every now and again.

Also: People who don't like Texas teams aren't necessarily trying to rebel. What a stupid statement. I like the SF Giants because my grandfather liked them, and he started liking them back in the 30s. I'll grant you that he could be a cantankerous old cuss sometimes, but he wasn't remotely a rebel.

:::Every city I have lived in or visited in Texas is completely different from any other. Each city is so unique.:::

Every city is unique--everywhere. Here, I'll give you an example of another state: Los Angeles is different from San Francisco which is different from Bakersfield which is different from Pasadena, which is different from Eureka, which is different from Hollister, which is different from--well, you get the idea.

I can do it with any other state, or country.

Really.

:::: Of course, you do realize that we are only a state by treaty between the US and the Republic of Texas.:::

Texas was annexed the exact same way that Hawaii was: There was an initial treaty that failed to pass the Senate, and eventually the treaty was modified into a joint congressional resolution bill to annex the republic. The only difference between Hawaii and Texas is that Hawaii became a territory until 1960. Texas was allowed to be annexed as a state after they passed a state constitution.

trafficcowgirl 2 years ago

I am a native Texan. I was north of Dallas in Frisco at McDonald's. I said we women are always chunk'in change from our purses while paying. The manager (non-Texan) asked if I from Texas- I said yes. He said his wife is a Texan but not one person on his block is from Texas. He said he hears people who move to this area say people from Texas are rude. He tells them they are not from Texas.

It is true I joke--I say I am an endangered species in Collin County--as all my neighbors are from other countries and other states. Most are friendly as the best way is to strike up a conversation--most Texans will start talkin' about sumthin'. Be kind and say hi, hello, or howdy. Smile. Allow a car in who needs to go in your lane. I married a man from Ohio....he wasn't born her but got here as fast as he could. Like the bumper sticker.

To be more like someone from the south/Texas or a smaller town; say hello/strike up a conversation (I do), smile, allow a car to go in front of yours in traffic; stop to help someone with a flat tire, or in need.

In Greenville, TX a woman from LA said she never wanted to go back. She said if her car had a flat--no one would stop. In the early 90's while living Waco, a NY native moved there. She could not believe people wer so friendly--and that you had bag boys that carried your groceries to your car.

I know friendly people are everywhere. But I am a proud Texan.

Linda 2 years ago

The photo of the baby with the Texas Flag cap, bib and booties were taken from our website without our permission. I don't mind you using our photos, please just give the Texas Trading Post credit for them.

Well, I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could. Damn glad I did. Love it here, everyone is so nice.

Kevin 23 months ago

Thanks for sharing. I was born and raised at the jersey shore. (We have our own language. Lol ) and moved to Dallas two years ago. I got here as fast as I could. :)

Anita Jackson 23 months ago

Well, as a girl with several generations of Texans in her ancestry I can honestly say I've heard and used most of these sayings. Due to music and learning proper pronunciation I also know how to say wash instead of warsh when I do my hair. I do get to explain the saying - madder than an ole wet hen - when I use it to say I'm upset. As far as Texas being it's own country - it is and the rest is just suburbs. Guess folks haven't figured that out yet.

coyoterun 23 months ago

As a native Texan, ah wood say this is "pretty much" right. Only a few here ah wood shitcan.

Janet Neese 23 months ago

I have lived near San Antonio and I have to say I have heard none of that here. Hears it all my life in Illinois but not in this part of Texas at least.

Jana 23 months ago

I was born and raised Texan. I live in PA now but will git back soons I can. My momma says she warshed and wrenched the clothes or dishes. "I swanny" is used when yer shocked by somethin. I'm not sure how to spell it but I still say ah'ont car for I don't care. The people here in PA git a kick out a my accent.

One thing I have to add is that the long I sound as in I or like or Tyler are not ah but a really long drawn out I. It's hard ta explain.

No one has mentioned that everone is called Honey or Sweety.

I'm from Abilene but have also lived in San Antonio, Austin and Frisco/North Dallas.

Proud to be a Texan.

Becky 23 months ago

Good gravy, This was a hoot. I loved it. Born and raised in Texas. 33 years years old and yes I say most of these. I got tickled reading it because I saw nothin wrong with most of them. Us Texans are very proud of our precious State. Thanks for writing it.

Everett 23 months ago

One thing I saw that disappointed me was the number of people who cannot spell y'all correctly. It is y'all, not y'all. And contrary to what True Texan posted it did NOT originate in TX. It was brought to the US by the Scots that immigrated. It's an old Scottish contraction of "ye all".

Kathryn 23 months ago

I'm a born 'n bred WEST Texan and my Montana man husband (who grew up in MA) says we are the worst of all...... we loved the article and laughed hysterically because it's all true.....but we have to add that while we leave out syllables we can also turn a one syllable into two or three....like fire.....faaahhrr........he adds that Texans don't do not mind talkin' about fartin' or poopin'.......whereas North of the Red River it's never mentioned or heard or seen. And they do not roll anything up in a tortilla but Texans don't hesitant to put anything in one. Don't mess with Texas! Yeehaa!

suzi 22 months ago

Whos up ta giv lessons ta a non native like m

docJohnny 11 months ago

crime,,, to crimb a tree

Julio 10 months ago

I heard "worsh" up in the midwest, not sure we own that one.

Miss G 10 months ago

Thank you for including "libel'ta!" My family and I are native Texans and I've been trying to figure out where it came from. We usually say "lovel" as in "I'm lovel to whop him upside the head if he don't quit."

Kimberly 8 weeks ago

You make us sound like idiots, when in fact most of us do not talk like that.